Letter

FPU thankful for drug awareness

August is always an exciting time at a university. Franklin Pierce University faculty and staff have re-energized and planned for the coming academic year, and our students are excited about returning to Rindge for their studies. Together, we await the coming year with excitement and look forward to another year of academic experiences. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of my colleagues and to thank the Rindge community for working with FPU to build strong ties over the past few years.

In particular, a recent series of events highlights the value in maintaining such ties. When recent news articles highlighted the presence of synthetic products being sold in local stores — products that mimic the effects of illegal drugs — local law enforcement provided helpful information to residents about the dangers of these substances. Ultimately, store managers removed the products from their shelves, protecting consumers from the dangers of the product when they are used for unintended purposes.

I commend these store managers for putting safety ahead of profits. I want to thank town officials and officers for their efforts to increase awareness of these synthetic drugs and to improve the public safety in our town.

I am especially grateful for the efforts of Frank Morrill, chief of the Rindge Police, for his presentation on synthetic drugs to the team of town and university officials who meet monthly. It is this kind of topic that needs to be addressed by the Town/Gown team and it is the chief’s expertise on law enforcement and safety that we so appreciate.

FPU is grateful for the improved relationship we have with Rindge and those who are committed to enhancing our students’ educational experience. I look forward to another successful year, our 51st in Rindge.